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Friday, September 14, 2012

Animal Kingdom Artifact: Bamileke Leopard Headdress

Camaroon is a diverse country on Africa's central west coast. Among the diversity we find the Bamileke people, who themselves live primarily in the south west of the country. Known for their beautiful headdresses and masks, ripe with beading, and a strong sense of whimsy.
Todays artifact is located at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village. This Leopard headdress would traditionally be worn by leaders of the community, including the chief or fon.

Can you even imagine balancing this on your head, and still look dignified? Takes a lot of practice I'm sure...